Printed and “framed” to be the approximate size of a lantern slide, members of the Wimbledon and District Camera Club gather on a camera outing. The resulting image and cutline underneath is decidedly “tongue in cheek”, with members caught “unaware” or perhaps striking poses while A.H. Verstage prepares to capture a “masterpiece” at far right- his tripod mounted camera at the ready.  Based on the framing and fine calligraphy on the mount, this is believed to be the work of Arthur Halcrow Verstage.

The mount copy reads:

An idea for a Lantern Slide to be shown to the Wimbledon Camera Club on a “Members Evening”.  A.H.V. is seen producing one of his masterpieces in consultation with Messrs. Carroll, Derrington and Brigden. (monogram?)

Notes: primary sources indicate T.W. Derrington  (2nd from left in photo) became president of the Wimbledon and District Camera Club from 1913 to at least 1924. (British Journal Photographic Annual & others) H. Brigden (seated, with hat) became Secretary of the Wimbledon and District Camera Club in 1907 and held the position until resigning in August, 1912. (Photography & Focus: August 13 issue)

Besides being an important British architect and founder of the Kelmscott Fellowship, A.H. Verstage was an amateur photographer active from the early 1900’s to at least 1921 according to references in the British photographic press. Verstage was the president of the London County Council Camera Club from 1908-10 and active as a member of the Wimbledon and District Camera Club from 1911-13 and perhaps later. (1913 dated correspondence from former club held by this archive)

Arthur Halcrow Verstage: 1875-1969

Arthur Halcrow Verstage (1875-1969) was an Architect who conducted much of his career in the public sector working for London County Council and then as District Surveyor for Lewisham. He oversaw the design of the LCC’s Central School of Arts and Crafts in Southampton Row (1905-8). He was an enthusiast of Arts and Crafts and designed a house in that style for himself in Forest Hill in 1934. He was a devotee of William Morris and with May Morris was active in founding the Kelmscott Fellowship (later the William Morris Society). – Historic England –A.H. Verstage photographic collection